Reopen Kendeja

In the early 1960's, Kendeja was created as a reservoir for national culture in Liberia. It became a symbol of Liberian nation tapestry, melting in one pot traditions from every parts of the country.

Young men and women came from remote villages to learn and practice many aspects of a culture that was being ghastly swallowed by modernism. The kids went to school and graduated from high school just like any other child of the country, with the added advantage of having lived in a cultural environment where they learned to dance, sing, and practice many cultural acts that their peers were oblivious to. 1989 war brought an abrupt end to all things. Like everything else, Kendeja fell into pieces.

On Tuesday, June 9, 2009, L. Johnson officially opened his new hotel, on the land that once hosted the soul and heart of Liberia's culture. The ceremony was attended by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Chief Justice Johnnie Lewis, the US and Chinese Ambassadors and a cohort of government officials, business leaders and international workers.

The government promised to reopen Kendeja, our national treasure, on another piece of land. The arts and culture community needs this promise to be fulfilled.

We, the undersigned, call on the government of Liberia to reopen Kendeja.